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FOREST LEAVES — Dec. 7, 2005

District 90's levy proposal up 17 percent
BY CHRIS LAFORTUNE
STAFF WRITER

River Forest District 90's draft 2005 tax levy totals about $12.6 million across all funds, about a 16.6 percent increase over its estimated levy last year.

The estimated levy, unanimously accepted by the District 90 School Board Nov. 29, would be used to calculate taxes collected from property owners next year. It includes increases that would take affect were the district to pass a referendum in March, Business Manager Anthony Cozzi said.

If River Forest residents do not pass a referendum, or the board decides not to pursue one, the levy will be reduced by the tax cap, Cozzi told board members. The cap restricts growth in school district tax levies to the lesser of 5 percent or the consumer price index.

The consumer price index applicable to the 2005 levy is 3.3 percent.

"This levy resolution is put forth in order to capture additional revenue if a referendum is passed," Cozzi said.

Though the board has not formally decided it will pursue a referendum in March, it did Nov. 29 accept a recommendation by a committee comprised of residents and local administrators to pursue a 32.5¢ increase in its education fund tax rate.

When the board unanimously approved that recommendation, resident Margot Dahmani asked whether the public would have a chance to comment on the matter.

School Board President David Gregg suggested coming finance committee meetings on Tuesday and on Dec. 8 and 15 would be the time for public comment.

"Unfortunately, board meetings are not designed for an open public discussion on these issues," Gregg said.

The meeting Tuesday will take place at 7:30 p.m., along with education and personnel committee meetings, at Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Ave. The Dec. 8 and 15 meetings are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at the district administrative office, 7776 Lake St.

There was a public comment portion at the start of the Nov. 29 meeting, but Dahmani did not speak then.

Tax base growth

Dahmani said after the Nov. 29 meeting that she believes the increase in the value of property in District 90 should mean the district should be doing well on tax revenue.

"I'm confused on why we're so behind in meeting our costs," Dahmani said. "We should have a surplus."

The 2005 estimated levy includes tax levies for tort immunity, facility leasing and life safety, new from last year's levy. Cozzi said the district anticipates life safety projects on its buildings in the next few years.

The facility leasing portion of the levy is to pay for computer equipment the district plans to lease through its new technology plan, Cozzi said. Tort immunity is used to pay for insurance and legal costs, and can be levied for if a district decides to, Cozzi said. It has this year.